Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Autism Awareness Month/Gift of Giving

April is Autism Awareness month and I have waited until the last day to post about it. I don't have any kids with autism or any family for that matter. BUT, I do have a few patients with Autism and they are the most challenging but most rewarding patients. You can't just do a normal routine exam. You have to come up with creative ways to get the same information. And I LOVE it! It is what really makes me appreciate being an eye doctor and getting to help people every day.

I am also a member of the Lion's club of Yazoo City and meet with them for lunch every Thursday at a local restaurant. It started as a way to get more involved in the community there but I have met a lot of really nice people and look forward to it every week. Part of being a member is having to find a speaker to come speak to us during lunch, usually only once a year. (I have noticed most people end up being twice a year, so I'm pretty sure they are taking it easy on me since I don't really know anyone in town!). Last year, one of my employees was head of the Relay for Life, so I got her to come talk about how much money they raised and what RfL is all about. This year, since my speaker was scheduled for April, I thought it would be a great idea to bring someone in to educated us more on what Autism really is and how they help. After some research, I found a not-for-profit company based in MS called TEAAM (Together Enhancing Autism Awareness in Mississippi). I got in touch with the founder, Dr Yeager, and he agreed to come talk to us.
I just thought I knew what Autism was but I now have a whole new respect for the Autistic person and their family. One thing that TEAAM does is host a summer camp for autistic children. They have children come from all over the US and volunteers from all over the world. It is the only camp of its kind in the COUNTRY. They are truly amazing people and I am just in awe of everything they are doing to help people with autism and their families just live a normal life.
Fun Fact: The first person ever diagnosed with Autism if from and still lives in Forest, MS. He is 80 years old and plays golf every day! He said they have to go get him when it starts storming because he won't stop playing! At 80 people!!!! Wow!

One thing that really shocked me to hear and the real reason I am writing this post is to inform you how national charities really give back! Everyone has heard of Autism Speaks, a national campaign that raises money for autism research and funding for families. Last year, the state of MS raised $190,000 dollars for Autism speaks. THATS ALMOST $200,000 FOLKS! Guess how much Autism Speaks gave back to organizations in the state of MS? $1000! Thats it! TEAAM was the only organization in the state of MS to receive any funding from Autism Speaks and they got a whopping $1000. I was shocked and pretty sure my jaw hit the floor. I have now decided that if I chose to give, you better believe that I will know where my money goes. If I truly want to help my neighbor, I'm going to give to a local charity that will help the community around me. Sure, if a tragedy happens, I am looking at the big picture, but if MS or TN has a crisis and needs something that I feel like I can give, I am going to find a way to make it happen locally.

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About Me

My name is Melissa, and I am a lot of things but the most important thing to know about me is I am a wife and mother. I credit my husband with making me the woman I am today. He showed me that I can stand up for myself and be the outgoing, fun-loving, funny person I want to be. We have been married for 6 years, together for over 10, and what an incredible ride it has been! The ups and downs of marriage are a crazy roller coaster ride but there is no-one else I would rather be next to! And on March 29, 2009, my whole world did a loop-de-loop when we had Kaleb, 7lb 7oz of pure boy! I never understood the undeniable, everlasting love of a parent until I held him that first day. He has tried my patience like only a first child can, but I would die for that kid. A colicky baby, he still doesn't sleep through the night at 2 years old, but we do everything we can to make sure he is a happy, healthy toddler (even though he refuses to eat anything but oranges and chicken fries!). I have at many times felt like that I am on the tail end of a lifelong marathon, just trying to keep up with the pack, and there are times when I feel like I'm out front. Follow along to find out where I am today!